An EXCELLENT ARTICLE by SDP

[Nice-Gook]

http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/5181-sdp-opposing-for-the-sake-of-opposition-

The Singapore Democrats have often had this charge levelled at us – that we oppose for the sake of opposing. Regrettably, this has come not just from the PAP but sometimes also from our friends in the opposition.

It is an easy conclusion to draw especially when we are often critical of the PAP over a wide-range of issues. But it is also the wrong one. The SDP's stance against the PAP stems largely from one large and fundamental difference: Mr Lee Kuan Yew's supremacist views.

In 1967, Mr Lee said that every society has approximately five percent of the population

who are more than ordinarily endowed physically and mentally and in whom we must extend our limited and slender resources in order that they will provide that yeast, that ferment, that catalyst in our society...

​

It is this tragic outlook that has pushed Parliament, which Mr Lee continues to dominate, to enact policies that have locked in a system that generously caters to the rich while neglecting the needy:

• Our hospital system allows the haves to buy top-rate medical care whereas the poor often go without treatment because they cannot afford it;

• Our schools groom scholars, the overwhelming majority of whom come from the upper classes, while the Minister of State for Education Lawrence Wong dumbs everyone else down with his observation that “If everyone can move up, we will not have enough ITE graduates out there in the workforce”;

• Our wage structure rewards ministers with $10,000-a-day salaries while cleaners earn as little as $500 a month.

---continued

 

[Nice-Gook]

--continuation...

Mr Lee's system has bred a generation of Singaporeans devoid of compassion and humility. Ms Wee Shu Min, the teeange daughter of former PAP MP Mr Wee Siew Kim, derided a fellow Singaporean who was struggling to find employment as a "wretched leech".

Another former PAP MP Mr Charles Chong told us that we "lesser mortals" should not envy those of his ilk.

Former minister Mr George Yeo, famously cautioned us not to be “boh tua boh suay” and to know our place in society.

Instead of tempering his mentees' views, Mr Lee adds fuel by calling Singaporeans "daft", "ignorant" and needing spurs stuck into our hides.

So if it seems that the SDP opposes the PAP on so many fronts, it is because we take issue with Mr Lee's noxiously elitist mindset in which so many of the party's policies are rooted.

But we don't just oppose. We offer a clear and better alternative. Where we disagree with the PAP, we propose concrete and workable policies such as those in our economic manifesto It's About You, The SDP Shadow Budget 2012, and The SDP National Healthcare Plan.

In other words, we do not oppose for the sake of opposition.

And where there is convergence in policy, such as the building of elderly care centres in the housing estates, we will not hesitate to support the Government - and say so. (See here)

We want to build a society that cares for everyone. We believe that this nation's progress is not made by pouring resources on the self-appointed elite but by ensuring that all the sons and daughters of this island get equal opportunities to succeed. It is also our conviction that the greatness of a nation is measured by how we treat the weakest and the poorest among us.

The SDP is a party that stands for something; it is not just a vehicle of convenience for those wish to enter parliament.

Those who come into our fold are people who believe in building a more just, more humane and more equal Singapore. This core belief is diametrically opposed to Mr Lee's. It forms the very heart of who we are and it is what keeps us together as a party.

More importantly, it is what will attract thinking and caring Singaporeans to the SDP in our fight for a better Singapore.

 

[Perspective]

I would have agreed if this was years ago, but there are a few things to highlight:

1) There is a difference between opposing more issues and the method it chooses to oppose. SDP used to like civil disobedience for every small issue although civil disobedience is supposed to be used as a last resort. This gives impression that SDP only know how to use such methods to get things done. It's the same as saying there's nothing wrong for a guy threatening suicide to make a girl like him.

2) I do not know which "friendly opposition" thinks SDP opposes for the sake of opposing. Are they cooking things up to make opposition apart from themselves look bad and meek. (This seems to be a trend these days.) But to the PAP, all opposition oppose for oppo sake and SDP should not be bothered by what they say.

3) The SDP itself has toned down showing that they agree with this criticisms, so what are they complaining. In fact based on SDP's own standards I would say they are not opposing enough.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

SDP did civil disobedience because it was the only way to attract attention. In some sense, it worked for a while and the younger liberals took notice. A couple even joined the party. So you can't say it was in vain. I would say they took quite a gamble. The PAP controlled media could have used past CD acts to screw 2011 for them, but it did not.

I would have agreed if this was years ago, but there are a few things to highlight:

1) There is a difference between opposing more issues and the method it chooses to oppose. SDP used to like civil disobedience for every small issue although civil disobedience is supposed to be used as a last resort. This gives impression that SDP only know how to use such methods to get things done. It's the same as saying there's nothing wrong for a guy threatening suicide to make a girl like him.

 

[Perspective]

Repeat post...

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

2) I do not know which "friendly opposition" thinks SDP opposes for the sake of opposing.

They are referring to Worker's Party. LTK's "we are not mad dogs" comment is still remembered even today. Note how this statement was distorted by temasek review into "CSJ is a mad dog". It is interesting to follow the distortion and more importantly, the reaction to the distortion. It's pretty unique in Singapore politics.

 

[Perspective]

SDP did civil disobedience because it was the only way to attract attention. In some sense, it worked for a while and the younger liberals took notice. A couple even joined the party. So you can't say it was in vain. I would say they took quite a gamble. The PAP controlled media could have used past CD acts to screw 2011 for them, but it did not.

I have no issues with their actions although I raised it, the issue is with this present article, and I raised it because it was in the context of this new article.

I remember that portraying itself as being victimised by the world including those it feels should be doing their job, has been done a few times by SDP.

 

[Kinana]

SDP too nonsensical, only fools will believe this Chee fella.

 

[breaknews]

Didn't God disproved his theory by giving his son a superior angmo son?

 

[The Moderator]

I like the article. It touches on a lot of raw issues but well crafted. Interestingly i note the comment about 'vehicle of convenience' to enter parliament. Is that a signal to people within the party or to the wider public that they would no longer provide this facility as per last election.

 

[The Moderator]

SDP now is lot more closer to SDP of Chiam's era. They have come back a full circle albeit with a lot more pivotal people rather than a one man show which was Chiam and Chee. Its a lot more political and lot less civil and NGO agitation agenda driven. The only issue is that many are drawn to the party because of its recent past.

I would have agreed if this was years ago, but there are a few things to highlight:

1) There is a difference between opposing more issues and the method it chooses to oppose. SDP used to like civil disobedience for every small issue although civil disobedience is supposed to be used as a last resort. This gives impression that SDP only know how to use such methods to get things done. It's the same as saying there's nothing wrong for a guy threatening suicide to make a girl like him.

2) I do not know which "friendly opposition" thinks SDP opposes for the sake of opposing. Are they cooking things up to make opposition apart from themselves look bad and meek. (This seems to be a trend these days.) But to the PAP, all opposition oppose for oppo sake and SDP should not be bothered by what they say.

3) The SDP itself has toned down showing that they agree with this criticisms, so what are they complaining. In fact based on SDP's own standards I would say they are not opposing enough.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

SDP now is lot more closer to SDP of Chiam's era. They have come back a full circle albeit with a lot more pivotal people rather than a one man show which was Chiam and Chee. Its a lot more political and lot less civil and NGO agitation agenda driven. The only issue is that many are drawn to the party because of its recent past.

SDP is heading in the right direction. They have experienced what its like to get 39.9% of the vote in one ward and I think they finally understand that to be effective you must win votes. Liberal International, IBA and HRW are not going to get SDP into Parliament.

The newcomers will influence the party direction because they give the party a lot of credibility by their sheer numbers. They also have a lot of talent in their ranks, from medical professionals to economists. So it is safe to say that the civil past will be left behind and SDP will be a full fledged political player from now on.

And that is a good thing.

 

[steffychun]

The SDP's Shadow Budget on MFA and views on foreign affairs is shallow and illogical.

 

[Perspective]

They are referring to Worker's Party. LTK's "we are not mad dogs" comment is still remembered even today. Note how this statement was distorted by temasek review into "CSJ is a mad dog". It is interesting to follow the distortion and more importantly, the reaction to the distortion. It's pretty unique in Singapore politics.

I remember mentioning that his remarks were pretty wide and described Harbans of UPF or Seow of SUF or the Ooi chap from some PLDP. That being said, because it is rather wide, LTK should have been more careful and concise with his remarks.

But that being said, dumb people close to SDP made Chee look worse by attributing the remarks to him. It's like someone saying with no one in particular that some dumb faggot in opposition and these same people attribute it to Vincent Wijeysingha.

 

[Ramseth]

You can't have a shallow budget or shallow anything in Parliament unless you have seats in Parliament. It's called thick-skin but hollow, not shadow.

In fact, PAP respected that when SDP had 3 seats in Parliament and started shadowing healthcare poliicies, it was SDP themseleves who screwed up with typos.

 

[Sadist]

You can't have a shallow budget or shallow anything in Parliament unless you have seats in Parliament. It's called thick-skin but hollow, not shadow.

In fact, PAP respected that when SDP had 3 seats in Parliament and started shadowing healthcare poliicies, it was SDP themseleves who screwed up with typos.

The WP crowd is slendering again for their inept lack of ideas and they can only attack SDP without showing what can they offer.

So, how is WP as a party with hollow budget, hollow healthcare policy and an empty think tank fair? It's telling isn't it with their recent performance in parliament and get's caught out with the minister pay debacle.

So, instead of coming out something concrete ( which of couse they have none ), these WP crowd best weapon is still to throw stones at others in cyber space.

 

[Nice-Gook]

Originally Posted by Ramseth You can't have a shallow budget or shallow anything in Parliament unless you have seats in Parliament. It's called thick-skin but hollow, not shadow.

In fact, PAP respected that when SDP had 3 seats in Parliament and started shadowing healthcare poliicies, it was SDP themseleves who screwed up with typos. .

The WP crowd is slendering again for their inept lack of ideas and they can only attack SDP without showing what can they offer.

So, how is WP as a party with hollow budget, hollow healthcare policy and an empty think tank fair? It's telling isn't it with their recent performance in parliament and get's caught out with the minister pay debacle.

So, instead of coming out something concrete ( which of couse they have none ), these WP crowd best weapon is still to throw stones at others in cyber space.

Not forgetting WP is where it is now because LKY approved it under LTK and not under JBJ.

Of course,Sylvia was dropped in from nowhere ; just as PAP appointed Saw Phaik Hwa to SMRT with her remotest qualification.

 

[GoMadSeng]

The WP crowd is slendering again for their inept lack of ideas and they can only attack SDP without showing what can they offer.

So, how is WP as a party with hollow budget, hollow healthcare policy and an empty think tank fair? It's telling isn't it with their recent performance in parliament and get's caught out with the minister pay debacle.

So, instead of coming out something concrete ( which of couse they have none ), these WP crowd best weapon is still to throw stones at others in cyber space.

You are right! These WP insects should not talk so much about SDP! They should be more WORRIED about WP which is going to SPLIT soon! LOL!

 

[eatshitndie]

this article is horribly devoid of facts
it would be much better off if author retracts
an elitist will vomit, his stomach reacts
shit may stop moving in his intestinal tracts

society's success relies on just a few
most are passengers while elites are the real crew
we'll be living in huts with betel nuts to chew
if there're no geniuses with great ideas to brew

one visionary changes the ordinary
a million ordinaries change hardly nary
the weight of humanity the few who carry
they deserve enshrinement so does old man harry

it's proven fact that not all can be good leaders
few see ahead while the rest are bottom feeders
they live day to day like ocean floor scavengers
always looking for scraps, droppings these freeloaders

 

[Kohliantye]

SDP too nonsensical, only fools will believe this Chee fella.

Dear Kinana
You may recall Gandhi and his Civil Disobedience move in pre-independence India.
Gandhi was also called a "halk-naked fakir" by a top British politician.
But he went on to get Indian independence and in so doing (circumstances) also got independence for Pakistan as well
Miracles do happen......